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A Pilot Trial of a WT1 Analog Peptide Vaccine in Patients with Multiple Myeloma following Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation

Purpose

Autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) is a treatment for multiple myeloma in which some of a patient’s stem cells are removed before chemotherapy and returned to the patient to help re-establish the patient’s immune system after chemotherapy. However, in some patients, the myeloma returns quickly thereafter, or does not respond well to this treatment.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate a vaccine that targets the Wilms’ Tumor 1 (WT1) protein in patients with multiple myeloma who will be having ASCT. WT1 is a protein involved in normal development, but can fuel cancer growth when it is abnormal. In our recent studies, we found that the WT1 protein is often overexpressed on myeloma cells. The WT1 vaccine will be given after the transplant to try to stimulate the patient’s immune system to kill any remaining myeloma cells. Patients will also receive Montanide ISA 51 VG (a component of the vaccine) and GM-CSF (another drug) to help enhance the immune response.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this study, patients must meet several criteria, including but not limited to the following:

Patients must have multiple myeloma that is causing symptoms and expresses the WT1 protein.

Patients must be candidates for ASCT.

This study is open to patients age 18 and older.

For more information about this study and to inquire about eligibility, please contact Dr. Guenther Koehne at 212-639-8599.